PACE Rapporteur Expresses Concern Over Ali Kerimli's Arrest

Ali Kerimli

The PACE General Rapporteur on political prisoners, Azadeh Rojhan (Sweden, Socialist Group), issued a statement regarding the arrest of the head of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Kerimli.

“I am deeply concerned by the recent decision to detain Ali Kerimli on charges of attempting to seize power. This is the latest event in a disturbing trend of shrinking space for political dissent in Azerbaijan,” she said.

The PACE representative emphasized that the European Court of Human Rights had previously ruled in his favor twice, specifically establishing violations of his right to stand for election and his right to freedom of movement. “I strongly urge the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately review the charges against Ali Kerimli and ensure that the current criminal case against him is conducted in full compliance with Azerbaijan's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights,” the general rapporteur noted.

On November 29, State Security Service officers detained the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Kerimli, and his advisor, PFPA Presidium member Mammad Ibrahim, after searches. The party called the detentions politically motivated, viewing them as an attempt by the authorities to "destroy the last independent political force in Azerbaijan." On December 1, a court ordered both to be held in custody for 2.5 months.